LOVE PREVAILS – FEBRUARY 2012
Photographers: Fela Dales & Alexandra Beraru
Hair and Make-up: Douglas Cressman
Stylist: Linda Sui Lem
Assistants: Arielle Kiser & Ato Baako
Model: Bronwyn McDonald (Artists Within)
(L) Collar: DIY || Pants: Bodybag || Shoes: Dr. Martens Arien $150
(R) Dress: Zara || Belt: Moschino || Shoes: Dr. Martens
(L) Plaid & Chiffon Skirt: N.R.T Fashions || Metal Cuff: Asos || Leather Harness: Peeko Apparel
(R) Belt: BCBG Max Azria || Drop Dead Tank: N.R.T Fashions || Leopard Skirt: Zara || Shoes: Aldo
(L) Drop Dead Tank: N.R.T Fashions || Shoes: Dr. Martens Core Pascal $160.
Plaid & Chiffon Skirt: N.R.T Fashions
SAVE THE DATE – LE CHÂTEAU EXPERT STYLE EVENT
It gives us great pleasure together with Le Château and expert stylist Kim Flanagan to invite you to discover a new and sophisticated Le Chateau! Join us at the Le Chateau Expert Styling Event (Wednesday October 26th) for an exciting shopping experience that includes professional wardrobe – building counseling, complimentary edibles and music by DJ Roofeo. The first 100 guests to meet with Calgary’s favoured stylist Kim Flanagan will enjoy an exclusive $25 gift towards any purchase made during the event.
See you there!
STAMPEDING FASHIONABLY
It is time to dust off those boots and do the “Boot Scootin’ Boogie.” Stampede has once again snuck up on us! The city’s spirit is alive: ten days of mini donuts, the grandstand show, country music and rides.
Yesterday, The CORE began the festivities by putting on a fashion show revealing the latest trends for both men and women. With the help of country musical artist Matt Masters, it attracted quite the crowd on Stephen Avenue. Eveline Charles did the hair and make-up for the models & clothing was provided by Brooks Brothers, Cleo, Smart Set, H&M, Judith & Charles, Gap, Harry Rosen and Holt Renfrew. The idea was to keep it simple, yet fun.
From July 4th to the 17th , Holt Renfrew will be having on the spot hemming with all jean purchases. Men’s starting at $85 and women’s at $120. There will also be a special performance by Albertan singer Kira Hladun on Saturday, July 9th from 1 to 4 pm.
Do not miss out!
For more information on the Calgary Stampede check out their website at http://cs.calgarystampede.com/
Happy Stampeding!
Words by Daniela Codreanu
Photography by Paul Spenard
JOE FRESH SET TO OPEN STAND ALONE STORE AT CROSSIRON MILLS
A brand new Joe Fresh® Store will open on June 9th, 2011 inside the CrossIron Mills Shopping Centre. As part of the opening weekend events, there will be discounts, promotions and giveaways all weekend long. CrossIron Mills is the first enclosed shopping centre built in Alberta in 20 years and conveniently located just 1.5 km north of Calgary and less than 10 minutes from the Calgary International Airport. The centre boasts over 1.1 million square feet of retail space and over 200 specialty stores and premium brand outlets.
WHERE
CrossIron Mills
261055 Crossiron Boulevard
Rocky View, AB T4A 0G3
WHEN
Thursday, June 9th, 2011, 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
STORE HOURS
Monday – Friday: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Sunday: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
MACKENZIE JONES || AFW S/S 11
Megan Mackenzie Jones from Mackenzie Jones stole the show in terms of eccentricity. Her “wearable art” collection – Fatal Seduction – was the most peculiar yet beautiful spectacle at Alberta Fashion Week with its odd mix of seductive, dark and fairy-tale-like elements.
Her show was captivating to watch although the term “wearable art” is –at some level – contradictory: when it comes to Jones’ creations, nothing is really suitable to wear on an average day. On the other hand, I think it was exactly what she was aiming for: a fashion statement completely disconnected from reality.
Jones’ dreamy garments were showcased in an interpretative dance resembling a Narnia-esque novel set in an enchanted forest. Male models danced a little stiffly and clumsily (perhaps explained by the tightness of their pants) while female models delivered solid, in-character performances and floated across the runway like fairies.
The fauna seemed to be a main inspiration behind Jones’ collection: antlers and horns of all sizes were incorporated into models’ outfits – around their necks, carefully placed on a furry black chocker, on their shoulders and on the fur- and wing-like decorated body straps male models wore. Floral patterns were also a recurrent theme. The floor-length silk dress embedded with real white roses at its base and the carefully designed flower crown graciously sported by one of the models released a sweet aroma in the air that caught everyone’s attention.
Jones, who grew up in Cochrane, AB, said she got most of her inspiration from the Canadian wilderness and although her creations seem a little out there for the fashion world, they make for a unique genre that will captivate audiences beyond the catwalk.
Words by Claire Miglionico
Photography by Eymeric Widling
IN RETROSPECTIVE: SPRING TRENDS AT THE CORE
Typical Calgary: there’s a spring fashion show and it’s a blizzard outside.
But the Core shopping centre downtown made the sun shine with a preview of new spring lines from a few of their retailers.
Flowing skirts, jumpers, and loose on the body shirts were the main focus from this season’s collections. And so it should, it’s spring. Let’s not be so uptight.
But everything needs balance and a lot of the loose pieces were paired with form: voluminous shirt went with a pencil skirt and curve-hugging button-up with an airy skirt. Structure was brought in with the use of formal wear and the classic trench coat, cut shorter for the season.
Scarves in vivid blue and peachy-pink were used as a splash of colour on muted tones. This is clearly the go-to accessory for any spring wardrobe. Chunky necklaces also made an appearance.
The show also featured an innovative wearable art component using cuisine from the businesses in the food court as the inspiration but with a fantastic couture twist, which included the talents of Adejoke and Carl Abad.
It was a colourful feast for the eyes and a reminder that the season has changed. So should our clothes.
Words & Photography by Vanessa Conley
FABRICATED – COMMUNITY WEAVING FABRIC TO BUILD A CITY
Fabricated. What an event! For those of you who missed it, you missed out on a small glimpse of what Calgary promises for the future; a deeply interwoven community of creative people making things happen. Not to say we aren’t that already, but a bigger net than what already exists, with events such as Fabricated.
For years, Calgary has suffered from the exodus of talented people looking for a more ”liberal” city, or simply escaping oil country. Needless to say there was a lot of apathy, but over the past few years it has felt as though everyone here has decided to stop comparing Calgary to Toronto and Vancouver and create our own identity.
This identity and culture is going to come from hard-working people, such as the organizers of Fabricated Hadiga Gabunga and Brook Fung, and there are many in this city.
The Theatre Junction Grand was a perfect venue to host a fashion event, an old theatre revamped with contemporary touches.The room was set up with good flow. People could stand around in the centre and mingle or walk around the outside of the room and look at some of the local talent who brought their wares to sell.
Sometimes the DJs are overlooked but they play such a crucial role in the ambiance of a room. Kudos to local talents Lorne Burlington (Lorne B) and Sandro Petrillo (Mr. Geography), people were floating around the room.
The overall mood of attendees was giddy with excitement. Everything was organized to the last detail; even backstage was relatively calm (before the storm). Models were sitting around chatting and trying to keep their makeup from melting in the heat of the basement.
Designers were chatty, not stressed. This was a photographers dream first introduction to a fashion show. Closer to show time the photographers gathered on the small platform at the end of the runway. It was tight but there was a symbiosis amongst everyone. It wasn’t “this is my space,” but more, “there’s lots of space.” Photographers were also sharing advice about camera settings and different angles, even quipping little jokes.
The show was a massive success with only a few glitches.The room after was electric with buzz from the amazing display of talent that is in Calgary.
From Market Collective to Make It! to the first Fabricated, the Calgary artistic community is creating culture.
The next five years in this city are going to be exceptional. It’s an exciting time to live in Calgary and be part of the changes that are going to make this place world-class.
Photography & Words by Vanessa Conley
Video by Paul Spenard
H&M FLAGSHIP AND CONSCIOUS COLLECTION RECEIVE WARM RECEPTION FROM CALGARY FASHION.
On April 13th, over 200 lucky Calgary Fashion readers were given the opportunity to attend the VIP Grand Opening of the new H&M flagship store located in Calgary’s downtown Core Shopping Centre. The evening started with a bang, as guests walked through the doors and were greeted with smiles, hor d’oeuvres, and a choice of wine, champagne or a martini.
What better way to begin shopping than with a bevy or two- it was the perfect introduction!
Guests mingled, posed for pictures and sipped cocktails, while exploring what the store had to offer. The modern and sleek look gives the interior a comparable look to their neighbour across the way Holt Renfrew – with pristine glass, white walls and black accents, the murals beside the escalator and inside the fitting rooms create an inviting and welcoming atmosphere. The stores two levels provide enough space to house womenswear, menswear, maternity wear and children’s wear; along with accessories, lingerie and footwear .
The grand opening evening was centered around H &M’s latest “Conscious Collection”, and if the name hasn’t already given it away, all items from this collection are environmentally friendly and made from sustainable materials. Along with being “Green” these pieces are fabulously fashionable and widly eclectic.
The collection is made up of flirty bohemian dresses, sleek white blazers, preppy shorts and more. Also, edgy leather, florals and wild animal prints can be spotted.
Whites, and pastels are the colours of the season and can be found throughout the women’s department while greys, blacks and vibrant colours are seen throughout the men’s department.
H&M is filled with an immense collection of style, pleasing to the eye. The sneak peek was a great success and one to be remembered for years down the road!
Calgarians certainly shopped until they dropped!!
For more information of H & M’s conscious collection visit: http://www.hmconsciouscollection.com/
Photography and words by Toran Kumari
SAVE THE DATE, MAY 5 – VICTORIA’S SECRET GRAND OPENING
On May 5th, 2011, Calgary will celebrate the opening of it’s first Victoria’s Secret location and they have so much in store for Victoria’s Secret fans.
Meet the Victoria’s Secret Angels
Supermodels Candice Swanepoel and Doutzen Kroes will be in-store signing autographs on Thursday, May 5th from 6-8PM.
Access the faster VIP line with purchase of a Dream Angels bra or fragrance.
* One autograph per customer. Victoria’s Secret-provided photos only.
Items purchased for fast lane access are final sale.
Enjoy a Special Offer
FREE Limited Edition Tote filled with beauty must-haves with a minimum $75 purchase.
Starting May 5 at all Victoria’s Secret Canada stores. While supplies last. One per transaction.
Be an Angel for a Day!
Visit Victoria’s Secrets in Centre Court at Chinook Centre and take home a commemorative photo.
Photos will be taken during the following times:
Thursday, May 5th 10 AM – 7 PM
Friday, May 6th 12 PM – 7 PM
Saturday, May 7th 12 PM – 6 PM
Victoria’s Secret Chinook Centre
Grand Opening
Thursday, May 5 at 9:30am
Chinook Centre (6455 Macleod Trail SW)
Please visit the following link to RSVP via Facebook – Grand Opening of Victoria’s Secret Chinook Centre.
